TUSIAD holds reception in Ankara

Ahead of this year's last meeting of its High Advisory Council (YIK), the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) held a reception in Ankara yesterday hosted by Mustafa Koc, the chairman of Koc Holding. Attending the reception were Deputy Prime Minister Nazim Ekren, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, State Minister for Foreign Trade Kursad Tuzmen, Industry and Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan, and Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Hilmi Guler. Many at the reception praised the Central Bank's recent 1.25 percent interest cut, calling it an important step to revive the domestic markets and facilitate real sector liquidity. Asked about a government stimulus package, Caglayan said that the package would be announced by year's-end. At the event, Babacan presented TUSIAD's Bosphorus Prize for European Understanding to Italian Senate Vice President Emma Bonino for his contributions to Turkish-EU relations. Babacan praised Bonino's support for Turkey's EU accession bid, underlining the friendship she has shown to Turkey during the negotiation process. For her part, Bonino said Turkey joining the Union will be a dream come true for her. President Abdullah Gül will attend today's YIK meeting as guest of honor. In related news, International Monetary Fund External Relations Director Carloline Atkinson yesterday said talks with Turkey on a possible standby agreement are going well. She said that an IMF delegation would visit Turkey next month to continue talks.